Resume storage and retrieval system

ABSTRACT

A method of and apparatus for storage and retrieval of resume images in a manner which preserves the appearance, organization, and information content of the original document. In addition, summaries or “outlines” of resumé images, broken down into multiple fields, are stored, and can be searched field by field. A user interface is provided which is based on a familiar paper-based method already in common use, thus reducing the training required to effectively use the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority of a provisional application,Serial No. 60/008,700, filed Dec. 15, 1995.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to electronic resumé storage and retrievalsystems and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Resumés are a primary communication medium between employers andjob applicants (candidates). Employers annually spend billions ofdollars to solicit resumés using newspaper advertisements, job fairs,college recruitment seminars, and other methods. In response, jobapplicants spend billions more to compose, typeset, print, and shipthose resumés.

[0004] Unfortunately, present resumé delivery practices are expensiveand frustrating for job applicants. Identifying potential employers,obtaining addresses, producing resumes for each, and finally deliveringthem is burdensome and time-onsuming. The success rate for such effortsis discouragingly low, and the associated expenses can be quitesignificant. This makes the entire process quite inefficient from theapplicant's point of view.

[0005] Employers, too, suffer from the inefficiencies of resumecollection and handling. The solicitation, receipt, storage, management,search, and retrieval of dozens, hundreds, and in some cases thousandsof resumés can be a difficult, unwieldy, and expensive burden on theemployer. Physical, paper-based resumes are often stored in desk drawersand fling cabinets. The numerous limitations of present resume practicesinclude consumption of substantial physical space; difficulty insearching through large quantities of paper documents; thenear-impossibility of correlating applicants whose resumés may varywidely in organization, content, and clarity; and the lack of uniformityin the search process from one practitioner to another.

[0006] From the above discussion, it is clear that a very significantneed exists for an improved method of resumé solicitation, sorting,delivery, handling, and management. Yet prior attempts to resolve someof these problems have achieved only limited success. Document scannershave been used in some attempts to reduce the physical space consumed byis physical resumés. However, search methods do not work well on scannedimages because scanned resumés are stored as pictures, not searchablewords or text.

[0007] Optical Character Recognition (OCR) has been used in someattempts to convert paper-based resumés to pure text. However, employersare typically unwilling to forgo the traditional resumé because of thewidely held belief that the ability to review the format, style, andpresentation of the resumé itself is of value.

[0008] Still other attempts have employed the aforementioned OCRconversion to allow the use of “keyword” search methods on the resultingtext of full resumés, in an attempt to find those which contain keywords or phrases. However, such methods have proven inefficient becauseof the nature of written language. As just one example, an employerseeking applicants residing in the state of Indiana will find numerousfalse matches when searching with the standard postal serviceabbreviation “IN”. The letter pair “in” appears frequently in theEnglish language (many times in this sentence alone), yet most suchmatches in the full text of a resumé would have little or nothing to dowith the searcher's true intent.

[0009] A further difficulty with “keyword” search methods is the aarequirement that the words or phrases in question must match withnear-perfect accuracy. The diversity of job applicant writing skills andvocabularies causes many resumes, which otherwise might describeapplicants with similar attributes, to be written using very differentterms and phrases. Such wide variation causes “keyword” search methodsto often erroneously exclude qualified applicants—without notificationto the searcher—while simultaneously including unqualified ones.

[0010] Prior attempts at applying computer technology to resumemanagement have been limited in scope, applicability, and usefulness.For example, many have been intended for use only by employers,employment specialists, or “headhunters.” Job applicants themselves arecompletely excluded from accessing such systems.

[0011] One prior attempt, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,897 to Clarket al. (incorporated by reference), is illustrative. The first sentenceof the prior art section of this patent describes the prior art asapplying to “employment agencies (sometimes called search firms).” Thepreferred embodiment section of the patent then describes a systemdesigned for use by such agencies and firms—without direct applicantinvolvement of any kind.

[0012] Other attempts have allowed applicants to initially enter somedata, but make no explicit provision for ongoing involvement. Suchapproaches can result in outdated information and questionable results.

[0013] Other attempts have required the installation of specializedcomputer hardware and/or software, or personnel training at theemployer's place of business. The difficulty in learning and using thesystem often effectively restricts access to just those who have beenappropriately “trained.”

[0014] Other attempts have incorporated rudimentary computer-based issearching methods. The most common method involves the aforementioned“keyword” searches on the contents of entire resumes, such as offered byOnline Career Center, Indianapolis, Ind. and TMP Interactive,Framingham, Mass. The inherent limitations of such methods have alreadybeen discussed.

[0015] Another attempt at incorporating computer-based searching methodsis seen in the services available from Intellimatch, San Jose, Calif.,(Internet address: http://www.intellimatch.com). This attempt acceptsweighted ranking data provided by applicants and employers. There areseveral disadvantages of this type of method: First, the user interfacefor interacting with such ranking systems can be complex, non-intuitive,unfamiliar, difficult to learn, and slow to operate. Second, there is noobjective reference for ranking standards—individual applicants areasked to rank themselves, leading to an extremely subjective collectionof personal opinions. Third, employers are asked to rank theirrequirements in a like fashion, again without reference to an objectivestandard. Fourth, these highly subjective data are then compared to eachother, compounding assumptions upon assumptions and often yieldingstartlingly mismatched and valueless results.

[0016] Another attempt at providing resumé services on the Internet isprovided by Beverly Hills Software, 469 South Bedford Drive, BeverlyHills, Calif. 90212, (Internet address: http:/lwww.Bhs.Com). Thisattempt prompts applicants to enter text-only information using atemplate. However, keyword searches still involve searching the entirecontents of resumé data; no searching by fields is available. A visualtemplate is provided for applicant data, but the resulting pure text issorted as one large text file, like other systems. There is also noprovision for charging or collecting fees.

[0017] Some of the aforementioned examples have attempted to incorporatevarious remote connection means. Such remote methods have traditionallybeen limited to text-only resumé storage and keyword-based searches ofthe fall resume text. None have succeeded in addressing all of theproblems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention provides a method of and apparatus for storage andretrieval of resumé images in a manner which preserves the appearance,organization, and information content of the original document.

[0019] One embodiment of the invention provides a method of andapparatus for storing formatted summaries or “outlines” of resumeimages, and efficient searching and subsequent selection of the resumeoutlines and their associated resume images.

[0020] One embodiment of the invention provides a user interface forcreating the aforementioned resumé outlines which is based on a familiarpaper-based method already in common use, thus reducing the trainingrequired to effectively use the system.

[0021] One embodiment of the invention provides a method of andapparatus for computer-assisted searching of the aforementioned storedresume outlines in a manner which minimizes the need for specializedequipment and training. In one embodiment, such searches can besuspended, and resumed at a later time.

[0022] One embodiment of the invention provides a method of andapparatus for enabling the automatic and continuous execution of thesearches through resume outlines, thereby determining when a potentiallyqualifying applicant has entered their resumé outline and resume imageand enabling employers to be automatically notified thereof.

[0023] One embodiment of the invention provides a method of andapparatus for coordinating the terminology and vocabulary used byapplicants and potential employers in the entry and searching of theaforementioned resumé outlines.

[0024] One embodiment of the invention provides a method of andapparatus for the controlled expansion of the terminology and vocabularyused by applicants and potential employers in the entry of and searchingof the aforementioned resumé outlines.

[0025] One embodiment of the invention employs modern communicationssystems, such as the Internet, the “World Wide Web”, or other commercial“connectivity services”, for applicant submission of outlines or resumeimages, or employer searches through outlines or viewing of resuméimages.

[0026] One embodiment of the invention employs modern communicationssystems to automatically notify applicants or employers under certainconditions, such as the expiration of a time interval or occurrence ofan event.

[0027] One embodiment of the invention employs common and commerciallyavailable computer hardware and software to reduce or eliminate the needfor specialized equipment by and training of the applicant or employer.

[0028] One embodiment of the invention employs modern communicationssystems for billing and payment for services.

[0029] Other features of the invention will become apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detaileddescription, claims, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0031]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system embodying theinvention.

[0032]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a server included in the system shownin FIG. 1.

[0033]FIG. 3 is an example of a resumé outline form sent from the serverof FIG. 2 to an applicant's client machine included in the system ofFIG. 1.

[0034]FIG. 4 is an example of a search request form sent from the serverof FIG. 2 to an employer's client machine included in the system of FIG.1.

[0035]FIG. 5 is an example of a summary of a resumé outline sent fromthe server of FIG. 2 to an employer's client machine in response to asearch request.

[0036]FIG. 6 is an example of a vocabulary assistance process inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0037]FIG. 7 is an example of a resumé image stored by the server ofFIG. 2.

[0038]FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9-11, 12A, 12B, and 13 define a flowchart of aprocess performed by the server of FIG. 2. in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance ofthe constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote theprogress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

[0040]FIG. 1 shows a resumé storage and retrieval system 10 embodyingthe invention. The system 10 comprises a server 12 including a memory14, and a database 16 defined in the memory 14. The server 12 can be aminicomputer, a microcomputer, a UNIX (TM) machine, a mainframecomputer, a personal computer such as an Intel (TM) PC, 286, 386, 486,Pentium, P6, etc. (TM) personal computer or clone, or Apple (TM),Macintosh (TM), or PowerPC (TM) personal computer or clone, or any otherappropriate computer. The memory 14 is preferably long term memory (e.g.hard drive, disk drive, tape unit, CD-ROM, etc.). The server 12 includestypical components (FIG. 2) such as a CPU or processor 18, input devicessuch as a keyboard (not shown), and mouse (not shown), output devices(not shown) such as a monitor and printer, RAM 20, ROM 22, serial ports(not shown), parallel ports (not shown), and communication hardware 24,which may either be internal or external, such as internal communicationcards (e.g., modem card or network card) or external communicationhardware (e.g., external modem), etc. In one embodiment, thecommunication hardware 24 connects the server 12 to the Internet, sothat the server 12 defmes an Internet node. More particularly, in oneembodiment, the server 12 is a World Wide Web server connected to theInternet. In this embodiment, the server 12 has a multi-user,multi-tasking operating system such as UNIX (if the server is a UNIXmachine), Windows NT, LINUX (if the server is a personal computer), etc.

[0041] The system 10 further includes a job applicant's client machine(or applicant's client machine) 26 in selective communication with theserver 12.

[0042] The job applicant's client machine 26 is connected to the server12 via a communication link 28. Various possible types of communicationlink can be employed for the communication link 28 between the server 12and the applicant's client machine 26. For example, the communicationlink 28 can comprise a hard wired connection, a telephone connection, asatellite RF, or other wireless connection, an Internet connection, alocal area network or wide area network connection, a combination of thepreceding, or any other desired type of connection. Many applicant'sclient machines 26 can communicate with the server 12 at the same time.Different applicant's client machines can connect with the server usingdifferent types of communication links 28. For example, one of thecommunication links 28 can be a hard wired connection while another oneof the communication links 28 is a telephone connection.

[0043] After the communication link is established, communications cantake place over the link using any of various protocols, such as e-mail,FTP (file transfer protocol), TCP/IP (Internet protocol, which can beused with HTTP-hyper text transfer protocol, or GOPHER), ASCII, X-MODEM,Y-MODEM, KERMIT, any variations on these protocols, or any otherappropriate protocol.

[0044] During a session, the server 12 communicates to the applicant'sclient machine a resumé outline form 30 (FIG. 3) to be completed by ajob applicant. The form 30 has a plurality of fields 31 relevant toemployment, using which typical information found on a resumé issummarized by the applicant. The form 30 has fields that are similar toblanks found on traditional job application forms available fromemployers.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the form 30 has various sections,such as a personal information section 32, an optional informationsection 34, a position desired section 36, an education section 38, andan employment history section 40. Other sections can be used, asdesired. Each section has various fields 31.

[0046] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the personalinformation section 32 has fields 39, 41, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54,and 56 for the job applicant's first, middle, and last names, address,city, state or province (e.g., the two letter postal serviceabbreviations), zip code or postal code, phone number, fax number, ande-mail address, respectively; the optional information section 34 hasfields 58, 60, 62 and 64 relating to citizenship, fields 66 and 68relating to security clearance, and a field 70 for a social security orsocial insurance number; the position desired section 36 has a field 72for job title, fields 74, 76, 78, and 80 relating to the type ofemployment sought (full time permanent, full time temporary, part timepermanent, or part time temporary), fields 82, 84, 86, and 88 relatingto compensation requirements, and a field 90 relating to the date whenthe applicant will be available for the new position; the educationsection 38 has fields 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, and 108 relatingto majors, degrees, school names and locations, and grade point averages(multiple copies of fields 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108 can be includedfor multiple colleges attended); and the employment history section 40has fields 110, 111, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120 for employer name,employer city, employer state or province, previous job title, startdate for that position, and end date for that position (multiple copiesof fields 110, 111, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120 can be included formultiple prior positions).

[0047] Other or additional fields can be used, as desired, or synonymscan be used in place of the words shown in FIG. 3 adjacent the fields.For World Wide Web applications, the form 30 is an HTML form, and has“submit” and “clear” buttons 122 and 124 using which the applicant caneither send the information from the filled fields to the server, or canclear the form and start over. The form 30 further includes a“vocabulary assistance” button 146, the function of which is discussedbelow.

[0048] Upon receiving the form 30, the job applicant fills in (usinghis/her machine 26) as many fields 31 as desired, including somemandatory information such as name and contact information (addressand/or phone number) in section 32. The applicant also effects creationof a graphics file 126 (FIG. 7) of the applicant's resumé for receipt bythe server.

[0049] The graphics file 126 contains all the formatting, fonts, andmargins of a traditional paper resumé, and is of great assistance toemployers wishing to gain some insight into the professionalism of anapplicant. The graphics file can be, for example, in a file formatidentified by one of the following extensions: GIF, TIF (or TIFF), .JPG(or JPEG or JPE), BMP, .TGA, EPS, .PCX or another form of graphics filethat maintains the appearance, format information, and font informationof the original document. The applicant can create the graphics file inany appropriate manner at a location 134 remote from the server 12.

[0050] For example, the applicant can create the graphics file using ascanner 128 (FIG. 1), by scanning his or her actual printed resumé.Alternatively, the applicant can use a facsimile machine 130 (FIG. 1) tofax his or her actual printed resumé to a facsimile machine 132 in thepossession of the administrator of the system 10 (e.g., located at thelocation of the server 12). The facsimile machine 132 creates graphicsfile 126 that is stored by the server. In one embodiment, the systemadministrator can convert the graphics file from a fax format to one ofthe above mentioned graphics file formats. Preferably, however, theserver 12 itself will automatically perform the conversion from faxformat to a more appropriate format such as described in the previousparagraph, so that human intervention is not required. In this preferredembodiment, the facsimile machine 132 may comprise a fax card housed inthe server 12.

[0051] In another embodiment, the system administrator can receive amail copy of a printed resumé, and can scan it into the server 12 forthe applicant using a scanner 133 in the possession of the systemadministrator (e.g., located at the location of the server 12).

[0052] The server 12 receives and stores in the database 16 the graphicsfile 126 as well as an entry defined by the summary information filledin on the form 30 by the job applicant.

[0053] In one embodiment, the graphics file 126 can be communicated tothe server using a different protocol than was used for transmitting thesummary information. For example, the summary information can be sentfrom the applicant's client machine 26 to the server 12 via HTML, andthe graphics file 126 can be sent from that applicant's client machine26 to the server 12 via e-mail. Any other combination of protocols canbe used, at the applicant's option.

[0054] The form 30 is useful in that it provides searchable information.The information of the graphics file 126 cannot be easily searched. Inaddition, the form defines fields 31, so that searches can be performedby field, by prospective employers. Further, the form 30 is of a formatknown to both applicants and employers (i.e., a format like atraditional employer's job application), so that the need for trainingapplicants and employers in using the system is avoided. Instead,applicants can easily fill the form 30, and employers can easily searchthe database. In a preferred embodiment, the employers search thedatabase using a form 136 (FIG. 4) that is very similar in appearance tothe form 30 presented to applicants. The forms 30 and 136 provide astandard framework to be used by all applicants, and all employers.

[0055] The server 12 associates or links the summary information entryfrom the form 30 with the graphics file 126 submitted by the applicant'sclient machine 26. In other words, if a search by an employer turns upthe summary information for a particular applicant, the graphics file126 containing an image of that applicant's resumé can be easily pulledup as well.

[0056] The form 30 and graphics file 126 may be transmitted by theapplicant's client machine during a single session. It is also possiblethat the applicant may fill out and transmit the form 30 during onesession, and then upload the resumé image during another session. Or,the applicant could fax a resumé at some later time. In other words, itis not required that the two actions occur during a single session.

[0057] The system further comprises an employer's client machine 138 inselective communication with the server 12. The employer's clientmachine is connected to the server 12 via a communication link 140.Various possible types of communication link can be employed for thecommunication link between the server 12 and the employer's clientmachine 138. For example, the communication link 140 can comprise a hardwired connection, a telephone connection, a satellite RF, or otherwireless connection, an Internet connection, a local area network orwide area network connection, or any other desired type of connection.Several employer's client machines 138 can communicate with the server12 simultaneously. Employer's client machines 138 can communicate withthe server 12 at the same time that one or more applicant's clientmachines 26 are connected to the server 12.

[0058] Different employer's client machines 138 can connect with theserver 12 using different types of communication links 140. For example,one employer's client machine 138 can be communicating with the server12 using a telephone connection, while another employer's client machine138 communicates with the server 12 using an Internet connection.Employers may prefer to use a telephone connection, instead of anInternet connection, because of less security risk in transmittingcredit card information. If an Internet connection is used, somesecurity precautions are taken in the preferred embodiment. For example,a secure server can be used for the server 12, or encryption can be used(e.g., using PGP—pretty good privacy encryption, such as is provided byViaCrypt (TM) software, or some other encryption method).

[0059] Upon connection, the server 12 provides the employer's clientmachine 138 with search form 136 (FIG. 4). The search form 136 ispreferably similar to the form 30 filled by applicants, as describedabove, and preferably includes fields 31 corresponding to fieldscontained on the form filled by applicants. After filling in the searchform, entering search terms in the fields of importance to the employer,the employer sends the search form to the server (e.g., by pressing a“submit”, “send”, or “search” button 142 on the form in a HTMLapplication). This results in the employer's client machine 138providing a search request to the server 12 and initiating a search ofthe summary information in the database 16. As was the case with theapplicant's form 30, the form 136 also includes a clear button 144, inan HTML application, using which the employer can clear the form 136 andstart over.

[0060] The search parameters are defined by the filled search form 136.The filled search form 136 indicates which fields 31 are to be searchedfor which keywords. For example, based on which fields 31 are filledwith which keywords, a search query can be constructed which takes thelogical “OR” of each word contained in a field, and which takes thelogical “AND” of each of the fields 31. Other logical and weighted iscombinations are possible. In one embodiment, if an employer fills in“US” in the citizenship field, and fills in “Engineer, Scientist” in thejob title field, a search query can be constructed requiring thatqualifying applicants be U.S. citizens AND be engineers OR scientists.Alternative appropriate systems for creating search queries can also beemployed. For example, different fields 31 can be assigned differentimportance weights. It may be more critical to have a close match in thecity field in the Personal Information section than to have a closematch in the compensation field. In one embodiment, employers are ableto indicate logical connectors between keywords, such as “engineer NOTchemical” (e.g., if an employer is looking for any type of engineerother than a chemical engineer). In a preferred embodiment, the employercan use natural English (without logical connectors), and the server 12creates an appropriate search query.

[0061] Upon completing the search, the server 12 communicates to theemployer's client machine an amount of the summary information forentries that satisfy the search parameters (search query). Preferably,contact information (e.g., name, address, phone number, e-mail, faxnumber, etc.) of qualifying applicants is suppressed at this stage. Inone embodiment, the information presented to the employer for each entrythat satisfies the search parameters is “summarized” information, foreasy and quick review in a standardized, compact, format. An example ofsummarized information is shown in FIG. 5.

[0062] Relevancy ranking is performed in a preferred embodiment. Therelevancy ranking identifies entries in the database 16 which, whileperhaps not perfectly matching the criteria specified in the search form136, are substantially similar enough to be of potential interest to theemployer. Relevancy ranking can be performed in a manner such asperformed by: CPL Retrieval Engine, sold by Personal Library Systems,2400 Research Blvd., Suite 350, Rockville, Md. 20850; NexTrieve IndexingEngine from Nexial Systems, St. Annastraat 4, 6109 RH, Ohé en Laak, TheNetherlands; MetaMorph Text Retrieval Engine sold by ThunderstoneSoftware—EPI Inc., 11115 Edgewater Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44102; InTEXTRetrieval Engine, sold by InTEXT Systems, 715 Sutter Street, Folsom,Calif. 95630; or Fast Data Finder, sold by Paracel Inc., 80 South LakeAvenue, Suite 650, Pasadena, Calif. 91101, or any other appropriatemanner.

[0063] Summarized information (as shown in FIG. 5) is provided for thebest matches to the search request, after taking into account therelevancy ranking described above. The maxmum number of matches suppliedto the employer's client machine can be set to any appropriate number byeither the administrator of the system 10, or the employer performingthe search. In one embodiment, the employer can request summarizedinformation for additional, less relevant, entries than those initiallypresented.

[0064] The server 12 then queries the employer's client machine as towhether to present graphics files 126 of resumés associated with theentries that satisfy the search parameters. The server does not presentthe graphics files 126 of the resumés or the contact information forentries that satisfy the search parameters until payment is made orauthorized by the employer.

[0065] The employer may establish an account, and provide billinginformation (such as by providing a credit card number) to theadministrator of the system 10 at one time, and will then be able tosubsequently log in using a password, and order contact information andgraphics files without having to again transmit a credit card. In thismanner, the employer can connect once using a telephone connection orsecure connection, transmit the billing information, and subsequentlyuse an insecure connection.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, no password is required of employersunless they choose to set up an account as described above. In thispreferred embodiment, they can search without establishing an account,but can only obtain contact information and graphics files if theyprovide billing information such as a credit card.

[0067] Means other than passwords can be employed to establish secureaccess to the server 12. For example, the employer can transmit to aspecific IP (Internet Protocol) address, or can initiate a dialupconnected is to a specific telephone number and transmit billinginformation for that session without setting up a password.

[0068] The server 12 is capable of storing employer's search requests,and periodically later repeating the search (update searching). Thus, isadditional entries matching the search parameters can be located in theevent the database has been modified and contains new entries thatsatisfy the search parameters. If the employer desires the ability tostore search requests and perform update searches, he or she will berequired by the server 12 to obtain a user name and password, so theemployer can be identified by the server in a subsequent connectionsession.

[0069] The server 12 is also capable of suspending execution of a searchrequest upon receiving a suspend request from the employer's clientmachine, and of resuming the search at a later time upon receiving aresume request from the employer's client machine 138. For example, theemployer may view the summary information for a certain number of “hits”(entries that satisfy the search parameters) and wish to take a breakbefore more closely studying the results, or before looking at lessrelevant matches. Again, if the employer desires the ability to suspendand later resume search requests, he or she will be required by theserver 12 to obtain a user name and password, so the employer can beidentified by the server 12 in a subsequent connection session.

[0070] The server further comprises vocabulary assistance capability forassisting an applicant in filling form 30, or for assisting an employerin formulating a search request using form 136. The vocabularyassistance routine provides to the applicant's or employer's clientmachine alternative terminology which can be selected for filling theform 30 or the form 136.

[0071] An example of vocabulary assistance is illustrated in FIG. 6. Ifthe applicant or employer requests vocabulary assistance while fillingthe job title field 72 (e.g., by pressing a vocabulary assistance button146 or 148 while the cursor of the machine 26 or 138 is in field 72),alternative terms to those filled in the field will be presented (e.g.,by presenting a menu, such as a pop-up menu, to the machine 26 or 138).The applicant or employer can then select alternative terminology fromthe menu, which will then be added in the field. Alternatively, insteadof using the vocabulary assistance while initially filling the form 136,an employer may be dissatisfied with the results of a search, and maythen return to the form 136 and initiate vocabulary assistance on one ormore of the fields. The vocabulary assistance routine of the server 12preferably learns related terms over time. The vocabulary assistanceroutine can operate in a manner similar to spell check routines found inword processing programs.

[0072] The server also sends reminders to applicants, after some timehas passed, that they should update their summary information andgraphics files. This can be via e-mail, or any other desired manner.

[0073]FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9-11, 12A, 12B, and 13 define a flow chartillustrating operation of a system according to one embodiment of theinvention.

[0074] At step S1, a determination is made as to whether a client hasconnected to the system. If so, the system proceeds to step S2; if not,the system proceeds to step S7.

[0075] At step S2, the server sends a main menu to the connected client,and requests a selection. After performing step S2, the system proceedsto step S3.

[0076] At step S3, a determination is made as to whether the userselected to enter new applicant data. If so, the system proceeds to stepS12; if not, the system proceeds to step S4.

[0077] At step S4, a determination is made as to whether the userselected to update existing applicant data. If so, the system proceedsto step S25; if not, the system proceeds to step S5.

[0078] At step S5, a determination is made as to whether the userselected to begin a new search of applicants. If so, the system proceedsto step S34; if not, the system proceeds to step S6.

[0079] At step S6, a determination is made as to whether the userselected to continue a previously suspended search of applicants. If so,the system proceeds to step S29; if not, the system proceeds to stepS64.

[0080] At step S7, a determination is made as to whether it is time foran applicant to update the information they have provided to the server.If so, the system proceeds to step S8; if not, the system proceeds to ifstep S9.

[0081] At step S8, the server notifies applicants that it is recommendedthat they update their resumé information. After performing step S8, thesystem proceeds to step S9.

[0082] At step S9, a determination is made as to whether it is time tocontinue suspended searches. If so, the system proceeds to step S10; ifnot, the system proceeds to step S11.

[0083] At step S10, suspended searches are performed. After performingstep S10, the system proceeds to step S11.

[0084] At step S11, a determination is made as to whether the operatorof the system has requested a system shutdown (for maintenance, or someother reason). If so, the system shuts down; if not, the system proceedsto step S1.

[0085] At step S12, a new applicant identification number is assigned bythe server, and the server sends to the client a request for a selectionof a password. After performing step S12, the system proceeds to stepS13.

[0086] At step S13, the system receives a response from the client.After performing step S13, the system proceeds to step S14.

[0087] At step S14, the server prepares an empty resumé outline form.After performing step S14, the system proceeds to step S15.

[0088] At step S15, the server sends the resumé outline form to theconnected client, and requests that the applicant fill out the form.After performing step S15, the system proceeds to step S16.

[0089] At step S16, the server receives the response from the client.After performing step S16, the system proceeds to step S17.

[0090] At step S17, a determination is made as to whether the clientrequested vocabulary assistance. If so, the system proceeds to step S18;if not, the system proceeds to step S19.

[0091] At step S18, the requested vocabulary assistance information isadded to the resumé outline form. An example of vocabulary assistance isshown in FIG. 6. For example, if an applicant has listed cellular andsatellite in the job title field, and requests vocabulary assistance forthe job title field, the server will generate a list of alternativeterms such as development, firmware, software, and systems, and willtransmit that list to the applicant's client machine. The client canthen select any of the listed vocabulary assistance terms for additionto the job title field. Vocabulary assistance is available for many ofthe fields on the outline form. After performing step S18, the systemproceeds to step S15.

[0092] At step S19, the server stores the information filled in theresumé outline form in the database. After performing step S19, thesystem proceeds to step S20.

[0093] At step S20, the server sends to the client a list of availableresumé image reception methods and requests that the applicant select amethod. After performing step S20, the system proceeds to step S21.

[0094] At step S21, the server receives the response from the client.After performing step S21, the system proceeds to step S22.

[0095] At step S22, the server prepares to receive the resumé image fromthe client using the selected reception method. After performing stepS22, the system proceeds to step S23.

[0096] At step S23, the server receives the resumé image. Afterperforming step S23, the system proceeds to step S24.

[0097] At step S24, the server stores the resumé image in the database.After performing step S24, the system proceeds to step S2.

[0098] At step S25, the system sends to the client a message requestingan applicant identification (user name) and password. After performingstep S25, the system proceeds to step S26.

[0099] At step S26, the server receives and verifies the password andID. After performing step S26, the system proceeds to step S27.

[0100] At step S27, the server retrieves the existing resumé outlineinformation from the database for this applicant. After performing stepS27, the system proceeds to step S28.

[0101] At step S28, the server fills the empty resumé outline form withthe outline information retrieved from the database. After performingstep S28, the system proceeds to S15.

[0102] At step S29, the server sends to the client a message requestinga client ID (user name) and password. After performing step S29, thesystem proceeds to step S30.

[0103] At step S30, the server receives and verifies the ID andpassword. After performing step S30, the system proceeds to step S31.

[0104] At step S31, the server sends to the client a list of thisclient's suspended searches and requests that the client make aselection. After performing step S31, the system proceeds to step S32.

[0105] At step S32, the server receives the selection from the client.After performing step S32, the system proceeds to step S33.

[0106] At step S33, the server fills the empty resumé outline form withselected search criteria for the suspended search which was selected forexecution. After performing step S33, the system proceeds to step S35.

[0107] At step S34, the server prepares an empty resumé outline form.After performing step S34, the system proceeds to step S35.

[0108] At step S35, the server sends an outline form to the client andrequests that the client return the form with desired search criteria.After performing step S35, the system proceeds to step S36.

[0109] At step S36, the server receives the response from the client.After performing step S36, the server proceeds to step S37.

[0110] At step S37, a determination is made as to whether the clientrequested vocabulary assistance. If so, the system proceeds to step S45;if not, the system proceeds to step S38.

[0111] At step S38, a determination is made as to whether the clientrequested suspension of the search. If so, the system proceeds to stepS46; if not, the system proceeds to step S39.

[0112] At step S39, the server searches the database of existing resuméoutline information. After performing step S39, the system proceeds tostep S40.

[0113] At step S40, the server summarizes compliant resumé outlines,sends the summarized outlines to the client, and requests desiredaction. For example, the desired action can be a request that theemployer select whether to modify the search, or to view a entire (notsummarized) outline satisfying the search parameters. After performingstep S40, the system proceeds to step S41.

[0114] At step S41, the server receives the response from the client.After performing step S41, the system proceeds to step S42.

[0115] At step S42, a determination is made as to whether the clientchose to modify the search criteria. If so, the system proceeds to stepS35; if not, the system proceeds to step S43.

[0116] At step S43, a determination is made as to whether the clientchose to view an entire outline. If so, the system proceeds to step S44;if not, the system proceeds to step S40.

[0117] At step S44, the server sends to the client a list of availableresumé outline delivery methods, and request selection by the client.After performing step S44, the system proceeds to step S49.

[0118] At step S45, requested vocabulary assistance is added to theresumé outline form. After performing step S45, the system proceeds tostep S35.

[0119] At step S46, the server sends to the client a request for clientID (user name) and password. After performing step S46, the systemproceeds to step S47.

[0120] At step S47, the server receives and verifies the client ID andpassword. After performing step S47, the system proceeds to step S48.

[0121] At step S48, the server stores the search criteria. Afterperforming step S48, the system proceeds to step S2.

[0122] At step S49, the server receives the response from the client.After performing step S49, the system proceeds to step S50.

[0123] At step S50, the server sends a complete resumé outline to theclient. By “complete resumé outline”, what is meant is non-summarizedinformation, in a format such as is shown in FIG. 3, except with contactinformation suppressed. After performing step S50, the system proceedsto step S51.

[0124] At step S51, a determination is made as to whether the clientchose to purchase the resumé image associated with the resumé outlinethat matched the search criteria. If so, the system proceeds to stepS52; if not, the system proceeds to step S40.

[0125] At step S52, the server sends to the client a message asking ifthe employer has an existing account. After performing step S52, thesystem proceeds to step S53.

[0126] At step S53, the server receives the response from the client.After performing step S53, the system proceeds to step S54.

[0127] At step S54, a determination is made as to whether the clientindicated that employer does have an existing account. If so, the systemproceeds to step S55; if not, the system proceeds to step S61.

[0128] At step S55, the server sends to the client a request for accountID and password. After performing step S55, the system proceeds to stepS56.

[0129] At step S56, the server receives and verifies the response. Afterperforming step S56, the system proceeds to step S57.

[0130] At step S57, the server sends to the client a list of availableresumé image delivery methods, and requests selection of one of thosemethods. After performing step S57, the system proceeds to step S58.

[0131] At step S58, the server receives the response from the client.After performing step S58, the system proceeds to step S59.

[0132] At step S59, the server retrieves the resumé image from thedatabase. After performing step S59, the system proceeds to step S60.

[0133] At step S60, the server delivers the resumé image to the clientvia the method selected by the employer. After performing step S60, thesystem proceeds to step S40.

[0134] At step S61, the server sends to the client a request for acredit card or other billing information. After performing step S61, thesystem proceeds to step S62.

[0135] At step S62, the server receives the response from the client.After performing step S62, the system proceeds to step S63.

[0136] At step S63, a determination is made as to whether the client'sbilling information can be confirmed by a bank or other appropriatefinancial institution. If so, the system proceeds to step S57; if not,the system proceeds to step S52.

[0137] At step S64, a determination is made as to whether there has beeninactivity for too long of a time. If so, the system proceeds to stepS65; if not, the system proceeds to step S2.

[0138] At step S65, any searches that are in progress are suspended, andthe connection is terminated with respect to this client.

[0139] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been describedin language more or less specific as to structural and methodicalfeatures. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the specific features shown and described, since the meansherein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention intoeffect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. A resumé storage and retrieval system comprising: a server includinga memory, and a database defined in the memory; an applicant's clientmachine in selective communication with the server, the servercommunicating to the applicant's client machine a resumé outline form tobe completed by an applicant, the form having a plurality of fieldsrelevant to employment, using which typical information found on aresumé is summarized by an applicant, the applicant's client machineselectively transmitting to the server summary information defined by atleast completed fields of the form, as well as a graphics file of aresumé including formatting, font, and pictorial information of a typecontained in a traditional paper resumé, the server receiving andstoring in the database the graphics file as well as an entry defined bythe summary information from the form for the filled in fields, theserver associating the summary information entry with the graphics filesubmitted by the applicant's client machine; and an employer's clientmachine in selective communication with the server, the employer'sclient machine selectively providing a search request to the server andinitiating a search of the summary information in the database bydefining search parameters by indicating which fields are to be searchedfor which keywords, the server upon completing the search communicatingto the employer's client machine an amount of the summary informationfor entries that satisfy the search parameters, and querying theemployer's client machine as to whether to present graphics files ofresumés associated with the entries that satisfy the search parameters.2. A resumé storage and retrieval system in accordance with claim 1wherein the resumé outline form includes fields using which contactinformation including information identifying the name and address of anapplicant is supplied to the server, wherein the server comprisescontact information suppression means which limits the amount of summaryinformation communicated from the server to the employer's clientmachine, when the summary information is communicated to the employer'sclient machine, to information excluding the contact information for theapplicant.
 3. A resumé storage and retrieval system in accordance withclaim 1 and further comprising means defiming a first communication linkbetween the server and the applicant's client machine, and meansdefining a second communication link between the server and theemployer's client machine.
 4. A resumé storage and retrieval system inaccordance with claim 3 wherein at least one of the first and secondcommunication links comprises a link type selected from a groupconsisting of a hard wired connection, a wireless connection, and amodem and telephone line connection.
 5. A resumé storage and retrievalsystem in accordance with claim 1 wherein the server is accessible tothe applicant's client machine and the employer's client machine viaInternet.
 6. A resumé storage and retrieval system in accordance withclaim 5 wherein the applicant's client machine includes a World Wide Webbrowser, wherein the applicant's client machine is connected to theserver via the World Wide Web, and wherein the resumé outline form is anHTML form.
 7. A resumé storage and retrieval system in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the applicant's client machine includes a World Wide Webbrowser, wherein the applicant's client machine is connected to theserver via the World Wide Web, wherein the resumé outline form is anHTML form, and wherein the outline information entry and the graphicsfile are transmitted from the applicant's client machine to the servervia the World Wide Web.
 8. A resumé storage and retrieval system inaccordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of the graphics file andthe summary information entry is transmitted from the applicant's clientmachine to the server via a protocol selected from a group consisting ofFile Transfer Protocol, e-mail, X-MODEM, Y-MODEM, Z-MODEM, KERMIT,ASCII, HTML and UUENCODE.
 9. A resumé storage and retrieval system inaccordance with claim 1 wherein information for entries that satisfy thesearch parameters is communicated from the server to the employer'sclient machine via a protocol selected from a group consisting of FileTransfer Protocol, e-mail, X-MODEM, Y-MODEM, Z-MODEM, KERMIT, ASCII,HTML and UUENCODE.
 10. A resumé storage and retrieval system inaccordance with claim 1 and further comprising a scanner incommunication with one of the applicant's client machine and the server,and wherein the graphics file is generated by the scanner.
 11. A resuméstorage and retrieval system in accordance with claim 1 and furthercomprising a facsimile machine at a location remote from the server, andwherein the graphics file is generated by the facsimile machine.
 12. Aresumé storage and retrieval system in accordance with claim 5 whereinthe employer's client machine includes a World Wide Web browser, whereinthe employer's client machine is connected to the server via the WorldWide Web, wherein the server comprises means for sending an HTML searchform to the employer's client machine, having fields corresponding tothe fields of the outline, adapted to be filled in by an employer andsent to the server, and wherein the server initiates a search of theentries in the database in response to an employer filling and sendingthe search form.
 13. A resumé storage and retrieval system in accordancewith claim 1 wherein the server comprises means for storing the searchrequest, and for periodically repeating the search, whereby additionalentries can be located in the event the database has been modified andcontains new entries that satisfy the search parameters.
 14. A resuméstorage and retrieval system in accordance with claim 1 wherein theserver comprises means for suspending execution of a search request uponreceiving a suspend request from the employer's client machine, and forresuming the search at a later time upon receiving a resume request fromthe employer's client machine.
 15. A resumé storage and retrieval systemin accordance with claim 1 wherein the server comprises vocabularyassistance means for assisting an employer in formulating a searchrequest, the vocabulary assistance means providing to the employer'sclient machine alternative terminology which can be selected for thedatabase search using the employer's client machine.
 16. A resuméstorage and retrieval system in accordance with claim 1 wherein theserver comprises vocabulary assistance means for assisting an applicantin filling the outline form, the vocabulary assistance means providingto the applicant's client machine alternative terminology which can beselected for the outline form using the applicant's client machine. 17.A resumé storage and retrieval system in accordance with claim 1 whereinthe server comprises means defining a fee consent flag which is set ifthe employer client machine sends a consent to pay a fee in response tothe server's query as to whether to present graphics files, and meansfor presenting the graphics files of resumes associated with the entriesthat satisfy the search parameters if the fee consent flag is set.
 18. Aresumé storage and retrieval system in accordance with claim 1 whereinthe server comprises means defining a fee consent flag which is set ifthe employer client machine sends a credit card number in response tothe server's query as to whether to present graphics files, and meansfor presenting the graphics files of resumes associated with the entriesthat satisfy the search parameters to the employer client machine if thefee consent flag is set.
 19. A resumé storage and retrieval system inaccordance with claim 1 wherein the server comprises means for sending asuggestion to the applicant's client machine that the applicant'sgraphics file and summary information should be updated, after an amountof time after the graphics file and summary information was added to thedatabase.
 20. A resumé storage and retrieval system comprising: a serverincluding a memory, and a database defined in the memory; the serverbeing in selective communication with an applicant's client machine, theserver communicating to the applicant's client machine a resumé outlineform to be completed by an applicant, the form having a plurality offields relevant to employment, using which typical information found ona resumé is summarized by an applicant, the applicant's client machineselectively transmitting to the server summary information for at leastsome of the fields of the form, as well as a graphics file of a resuméincluding formatting and pictorial information of a type contained in atraditional paper resumé, the server receiving and storing in thedatabase the graphics file as well as an entry defined by the summaryinformation from the form for the filled in fields, the serverassociating the entry of summary information with the graphics filesubmitted by the applicant's client machine; the server being inselective communication with an employer's client machine, theemployer's client machine selectively initiating a search of the summaryinformation in the database by indicating which fields are to besearched for which keywords, the server upon completing the searchcommunicating to the employer's client machine an amount of the summaryinformation for entries that satisfy the search parameters, and queryingthe employer's client machine as to whether to present graphics files ofresumés associated with the entries that satisfy the search parameters.21. A method carried out by a server including a memory, and including adatabase defined by the memory, the method comprising: communicating toa first machine a resumé outline form having a plurality of fieldsrelevant to employment, using which typical information found on anapplicant's resumé is summarized by a user; receiving summaryinformation for at least some of the fields of the form; receiving agraphics file of a resumé including formatting and pictorial informationof a type contained in a traditional paper resumé; storing in a databasethe graphics file as well as an entry defined by the summary informationfrom the form for the filled in fields, the server associating thesummary information entry with the graphics file submitted by the firstmachine; communicating with an employer's client machine to receive asearch request defined by an indication of which fields are to besearched for which keywords; performing a search through the entries inthe database, searching for the keywords communicated by the employer'sclient machine in the fields indicated by the employer's client machine;communicating to the employer's client machine an amount of the summaryinformation for entries that satisfy the search parameters; and queryingthe employer's client machine as to whether to present graphics files ofresumés associated with the entries that satisfy the search parameters.